Chapter 9 Too Delicate

William chuckled. "All you care about is watching cartoons. Is the pizza Alexis bought for you tasty?" "It's super delicious!" Mabel, who had been standing nearby, finally spoke up. "Mr. Parker, Mr. Charlie didn't eat tonight. He's been hungry all evening and even said his stomach felt uncomfortable. Isn't eating all this greasy food bad for him?" William didn't take it seriously. "Don't start acting like Eleanor. She pampers Charlie too much, which will only harm him. Unlike Aunt Alexis, who treats you so well, right, Charlie?" He ruffled Charlie's hair. Charlie nodded in agreement. "Aunt Alexis says I don't grow taller or gain weight because Mom keeps making food I don't like. If I eat what I love, I'll have a better appetite and grow big and strong!" Mabel was speechless as her heart ached for me. "How could you talk about Mrs. Parker like that? She gets up early every morning to go to the market and cook for you." Charlie frowned. "Ms. Raymond, you're just a servant. Who are you to lecture me?" I was strict with him when I was still around, so he'd be polite to Mabel. Now that I was gone, he had no restraint at all. "If you keep talking, I'll get you out of this house." Mabel went quiet. William instructed, "Once he's done eating, take him for a bath." "Mr. Charlie must bathe in herbs every night to help with his condition. Mrs. Parker always prepared it for him, but she's not here now." William massaged his temples in frustration. "Does taking a bath need to be this complicated? Skipping it for one night won't kill him. Just take him and go." "Sure." Mabel soon came out with several bottles of body wash and shampoo in her hands. "Mr. Parker, which ones does Mr. Charlie usually use?" "I'm paying you to be a nanny, yet you're unaware of many things. How could you ask me something as simple as body wash? Eleanor has only been gone for one night, and this house is already falling apart." Mabel shrank back under his scolding. "I'm sorry, Mr. Parker. You might not know this, but Mrs. Parker has always handled everything for you and Mr. Charlie. So, she'd usually do all this." He sucked in a deep breath and suppressed his displeasure. He randomly pointed to one and said, "Use any of it as long as it's for children." … Since it was still early, I bought a few new cosmetic products and even treated myself to a beautiful dress. Since marrying William and becoming a housewife, I barely wore makeup or had time to do skincare. Right when I opened my eyes every morning, I'd be swamped with house chores. I had given my heart and soul for four years, and no one had appreciated it. Since that was the case, I may as well set myself free. I didn't want my husband or son anymore. From now on, I would return to the dazzling person I once was. For the first time in four years, I carefully applied a full face of makeup on myself. It had been so long that my skills were rusty. I changed into my dress and slipped on a pair of high heels. My sprained ankle ached, but my heart had never felt so light. I stared at my reflection, which was gorgeous and brilliant. Even I couldn't believe the figure in the mirror was myself. From now on, I was no longer someone's mother or wife. Before marriage, I had always stood out wherever I went. That brilliance had been gone for four years, but now, it was back.